Can you run a red light that just won’t turn green? Here’s what Georgia law says

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Under Georgia law, drivers cannot run a red light that is taking too long to turn green. Drivers can be penalized with a fine for disobeying a traffic signal.

Credit: Abed Albaset Alhasan via Pexels

Seasoned drivers aren’t strangers to the basic rules of the road, such as stopping at a red light.

But what do you do if you’re stuck at a light that just won’t change?

Pump your brakes if you’re tempted to run it, according to Georgia law. The state’s traffic ordinances say a slow or malfunctioning traffic light is no reason to ignore it outright.

“A red light means you must make a complete stop ... and wait until the light turns green before proceeding,” according to a manual published by the Department of Driver Services. A flashing red light also requires drivers to stop, then proceed carefully after yielding to the right of way.

The only exemption for running a red light is when a police officer or other law enforcement official is directing the flow of traffic, DDS said.

WHAT’S THE PENALTY FOR RUNNING A RED LIGHT IN GEORGIA?

“Disregard for a traffic signal is a misdemeanor in the State of Georgia,” Sgt. Christopher WIlliams with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office told McClatchy News in an email. “The driver of a motor vehicle could be issued a uniform traffic citation and/or be held liable for a civil monetary penalty.”

There’s a maximum $70 fine if the offense is caught on a traffic camera, Georgia law says. This doesn’t include associated court costs and other fees, however.

Fines can jump to $158 if you’re pulled over and don’t have previous points on your license, according to The Sherman Law Group. Repeated red light violations can lead to three points added to your license — plus a $1,000 fine, attorneys said.

The EHG Law Firm adds that failing to obey a traffic light could lead to “subsequent hikes in your insurance rates.”

WHAT CAN I DO IF A TRAFFIC LIGHT IS MALFUNCTIONING?

In the case of a malfunctioning or inoperable traffic light, Georgia law enforcement officials say there are a few things you can do.

“A malfunctioning traffic light should cycle to a flashing red or yellow (light), and drivers should react accordingly,” Lt. Fred Carnes with the Columbus Police Department told McClatchy News in an email. “If one finds themselves in a situation where the light won’t cycle and they do proceed, do so safely.”

If you’re stopped by police, Carnes said be prepared to show or explain why you bypassed the red light.

A broken traffic light with no colors, flashing or otherwise, should be treated as a four-way stop with each driver stopping “as if a stop sign were facing in each direction at the intersection,” Williams said.

Drivers should contact the city or the police department’s non-emergency line to report broken or malfunctioning stop lights, authorities said.

This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with The Telegraph.